'Sisters' conference marks fifth year

More than 100 young women from the Syracuse City School District, ages 13 to 18, gathered in the annual "Sisters Empowering Sisters" conference Friday and Saturday at Schine Student Center on the Syracuse University campus.

The conference, hosted by The Image Initiative, Inc., celebrated its fifth anniversary this year and attendance has nearly tripled since it began, according to Nicole Jones, who founded the initiative while an SU student.

The two-day program included keynote speakers, panel discussions and workshops on issues such as teen pregnancy, self esteem, relationship violence, and STDs, HIV and AIDS. Jones said this year the program has broadened to include conflict resolution and education in the schedule of events.

Friday's keynote speaker was international AIDS activist, Hydeia Broadbent, who was never expected to live past the age of five, and became a "test baby" for HIV/AIDS medication.

Today's keynote address was given by Bevy Smith, who has worked for Rolling Stone and Vibe magazines, and is currently a contributing editor for Latina and 21st Century Hustle magazines. Smith also regularly appears on VH1, Oxygen and the Food Network television channels, and has her own business, "Dinner with Bevy," where she introduces people who are in the fashion and entertainment industries.

Smith's speech emphasized the significance of relationships and hard work.

"Ladies in this room, be kind and lovely and generous and gracious to everyone you meet," Smith said.